During this year's Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, more than 1,000 individuals lost their lives due to extreme high temperatures at Islamic holy sites in the desert kingdom. The fatalities included pilgrims from various countries, with over half of the deaths being people from Egypt. The Egyptian government announced the death of 31 authorized pilgrims due to chronic diseases, while an additional 630 Egyptians reportedly died during the pilgrimage, with many of them buried in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia has not officially commented on the deaths, but reports indicate that the fatalities also included pilgrims from Indonesia, India, Jordan, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Malaysia, and the United States. The deaths were attributed to the scorching heat, with temperatures reaching as high as 49 degrees Celsius in Mecca and surrounding areas.
Authorities cracked down on unauthorized pilgrims, expelling tens of thousands of individuals who attempted to reach the holy sites without proper authorization. The Egyptian government revoked the licenses of 16 travel agencies that facilitated the travel of unauthorized pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, citing inadequate services and the use of improper visas.
The Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, is known for its large gatherings, with millions of Muslims traveling to Saudi Arabia each year. Despite safety measures and crowd control efforts, the sheer number of participants poses challenges in ensuring their well-being.
Climate change is also a growing concern, with experts warning that rising temperatures could pose even greater risks for future Hajj pilgrimages. A study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology projected that by the late 21st century, the Hajj could experience temperatures exceeding an 'extreme danger threshold.'
While deaths during the Hajj are not uncommon, this year's toll was notably high, highlighting the need for continued efforts to enhance safety and mitigate risks for pilgrims undertaking this sacred journey.
